Aizu Lacquerware

Overview

Begun when Gamo Ujisato brought lacquerers from Omi; known for auspicious motifs and sprinkled gold.

About this place

Aizu lacquerware is one of the traditional crafts handed down in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. It is also called Aizu-nuri. It is designated a Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and a nationally designated traditional craft. Historically, it flourished earlier than Tsugaru-nuri and Wajima-nuri. It uses a wide range of techniques, including raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), urushi-e, dry lacquer, maki-e and hana-nuri. The woods used include Japanese horse chestnut, maple, zelkova, red zelkova, magnolia and cherry. Beech was used in the past. In the lacquerware industrial park in the Monden district of Aizuwakamatsu there are lacquerware shops, lacquer dealers and wood-blank makers.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Key facts

Founded / opened：1590s Highlights / collection：Kinjigo (gold-leaf ground), Aizu-e patterns Genre：Lacquer art

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Crafts and specialties of this prefecture

Crafts & industrySpecialties & souvenirs